August 25
Job 16:1-19:29 | PS 40:1-10 | Prov 22:1 | 1 Cor 16:1-24
If I were completely honest, I don't like what I see happening around the world. Godlessness at a level that I have never before seen, seems to be escalating daily. The things of God have been relegated to irrelevance in the minds of most. This is our reality, the only question is what do we do now. We can shrink back and quietly shake our heads. We can hope to remain for a while under the radar, below the enemy's detection. Or we can thrive, as we realize that those in the faith would be watering at the mouth seeing the endless sea of opportunities before them. It really comes down to, whether our eyes are more focused on ourselves and our day to day lives that we live out on earth, or is it focused on eternity and bringing the words and love of Jesus. Hear Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 16:8-9, "But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." The fight was getting stronger and Paul was digging in for the battle, not fleeing for comfort. He goes on to lift up the others while in the battle with these words in 16:13-14, "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love."
From Paul, we move onto our next example of extreme faith in Job. He was in the midst of trials directly by Satan, that he could not understand. Though we see the battle that was taking place in Job 1-2, Job, himself, is not let in on this. In physical, mental, and emotional turmoil, he makes a choice to redirect his focus from himself and onto the Lord. We read of this faith in Job 19:25-27, "For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" Though Job seeks at times to defend himself, complains of his circumstances, he passes the test of faith, maintaining his faith in God. He speaks of those who take the easy way, the popular way during times of conflict, in 17:4-5, "For You have hidden their heart from understanding; Therefore You will not exalt them. He who speaks flattery to his friends, Even the eyes of his children will fail."
We get another glimpse of faith in the midst of trials from David, as we read in Psalm 40:8-10, "I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart." I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness In the great assembly; Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and your truth From the great assembly." Examples from three heroes of the faith. We each have a choice to either emulate them in these difficult times, or shrink back in fear with eyes on ourselves rather than God.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: